Media storage system and method

ABSTRACT

A multimedia storage device for supporting packages is disclosed. The device includes at least two spaced-apart rails, each rail having at least one series of package supporting portions. A front retainer and a rear retainer is adapted to confine a plurality of packages therebetween. A cross-bar may be provided to secure the rails in a spaced-apart configuration. One of the retainers may be adapted to glide along the rails. The gliding retainer may include a glide portion having a central portion and a pair of wings. Each wing may be adapted to secure the glide to a rail and to enable the glide to be movable along the rail.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/395,571, filed Jul.12, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates generally to methods and systems forstoring packages such as multimedia packages. It more particularlyrelates to storage of packages of varying sizes.

[0004] 2. Related Art

[0005] The information contained in this section relates to thebackground of the art of the present invention without any admission asto whether or not it legally constitutes prior art.

[0006] There have been many different units for storing multimediapackages. For example, reference may be made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,558,235and 6,332,546, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,235 discloses a device for storing differenttypes of packages such as multimedia packages in a closely spaced,upright stack configuration in a side-by-side manner by utilizingindividual compartments. Each one of the packages can be flipped betweenforwardly and rearwardly inclined positions to inspect the differentpackages and for aiding in the selection of a given one of them.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,546 discloses an apparatus having at leastone crowned surface which enables each of the supported packages to berepositioned to another position. The apparatus also includes a pair offront and rear retainers for confining the series of packagestherebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In the following, the invention will be explained in furtherdetail with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of an embodiment of a mediastorage tray according to the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a pictorial illustration of the media storage tray ofFIG. 1 with the rear retainer assembly moved to a forward position;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a pictorial illustration of the media storage tray ofFIG. 1 with the front retainer and the rear retainer in a flattenedposition for, for example, transportation;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a top view of the media storage tray of FIG. 1,illustrating it in a reduced scale and with a rear retainer assemblyshown in an intermediate position;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the media storage tray of FIG.4 taken along V-V;

[0015]FIG. 6a is a pictorial illustration of the top of one embodimentof a glide for use with the media storage tray of FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 6b is a pictorial illustration of the bottom of the glide ofFIG. 6a;

[0017]FIG. 7a is a pictorial illustration of the front of one embodimentof an idler for use with the media storage tray of FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 7b is a pictorial illustration of the back of the idler ofFIG. 7a;

[0019]FIGS. 8a-d are pictorial illustrations of one embodiment of a rearretainer assembly for use with the media storage tray of FIG. 1;

[0020]FIGS. 9a-b are pictorial illustrations of one embodiment of afront retainer for use with the media storage tray of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIGS. 10a-h are pictorial illustrations of the assembly of thefront retainer of FIGS. 9a-b illustrating the insertion of the assemblyinto the media storage tray;

[0022]FIG. 11 is a pictorial illustration of another embodiment of amedia storage tray according to the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 12 is a pictorial illustration of the media storage tray ofFIG. 11 with the rear retainer assembly moved to a forward position;

[0024]FIG. 13 is a pictorial illustration of the media storage tray ofFIG. 11 with the front retainer and the rear retainer in a flattenedposition for, for example, transportation;

[0025]FIG. 14 is a pictorial illustration of yet another embodiment of amedia storage tray according to the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 15 is a pictorial illustration of still another embodiment ofa media storage tray according to the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 16 is a pictorial illustration of another embodiment of amedia storage tray according to the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 17a is a pictorial illustration of another embodiment of amedia storage tray according to the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 17b is a pictorial illustration of the bottom of the mediastorage tray of FIG. 17a;

[0030]FIG. 17c illustrates a detailed view of the front retainerreceiving portion of the media storage tray of FIG. 17a;

[0031]FIG. 17d illustrates a bottom view of the media storage tray ofFIG. 17a;

[0032]FIG. 17e illustrates a detailed bottom view of the front retainerreceiving portion of the media storage tray of FIG. 17a;

[0033]FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom view of a further media storage tray,which is constructed according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0034]FIG. 19 is an enlarged sectional view of the tray of FIG. 18 takensubstantially on line 19-19 thereof;

[0035]FIG. 20 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the tray ofFIG. 18;

[0036]FIG. 21 is a view of the tray of FIG. 18, illustrating it in theprocess of being mounted to a surface;

[0037]FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 19, illustrating the tray ofFIG. 18 in the process of being mounted to a surface;

[0038]FIG. 23 illustrates a pictorial view of another media storagetray, which is constructed in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention;

[0039]FIG. 24 illustrates a pictorial view of still another mediastorage tray, which is constructed in accordance with still anotherembodiment of the invention; and

[0040]FIG. 25 illustrates a pictorial view of a base for the tray ofFIG. 24.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0041] According to certain ones of the disclosed embodiments of thepresent invention, there is provided a method and system for storage ofpackages such as multimedia packages for CDs, DVDs, VHS cartridges andothers. The storage system can be mounted to a piece of furniture as apull out shelf, or can be mounted to a fixed or moveable shelf, or otherconvenient support surface. The system and method of the preferredembodiments relate in general to a simplified, two rail system, which isless noticeable and relatively less expensive to manufacture in certaincircumstances. There are other disclosed features and advantagesrelating to package retainers and other components, which are variousexamples of embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention,there is provided a multimedia storage device for supporting packages,including at least two spaced-apart rails, each rail having at least oneseries of curved portions. The curved portions may be generallysemi-circular in cross-section and may intersect each other to define aseries of equally spaced-apart notches at their intersection. Each notchon one of the rails is adapted to receive a first end of a bottom edgeportion of a package, and a corresponding notch on another of the railsis adapted to receive a second of said bottom edge. A front retainer anda rear retainer are adapted to confine a plurality of packagestherebetween.

[0043] In the disclosed embodiments, each one of the rails includes aseries of inner curved portions and a series of outer curved portions.The inner curved portions on two rails are adapted to support a packageof small width, and the outer curved portions on two rails are adaptedto support a package of large width.

[0044] In one disclosed embodiment, a rear cross-bar secures the railsin a spaced-apart configuration. Also, the front retainer is a rodlikeretainer mounted at a front end of a pair of rails, and is captured inplace according to an embodiment of the present invention. The retainermay be composed of wire or plastic material and adapted to be secured inone of two positions.

[0045] According to the disclosed embodiments of the invention, the rearretainer is adapted to glide along the rails. The rear retainer includesa glide having a central portion and a pair of wings, wherein each ofthe wings is adapted to secure the glide to a rail and to enable theglide to be movable along the rail.

[0046] According to one of the disclosed embodiments, an idler isadapted to be secured to the glide and is adapted to pivot between anupright use position and a flat storage position at substantially rightangles to the upright position.

[0047] As disclosed herein, the central portion of the glide includes apair of peg-receiving slots, and the idler includes a pair of pegsadapted to be inserted into the slots for securing the idler to theglide. The central portion may further include a back stop for limitingbackward movement of the idler in an upright position. The centralportion may include an overhang above a slot formed at each wing forsecuring the glide to the rail.

[0048] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of a media storage systemaccording to an example of the present invention. The media storagesystem 10 includes a pair of rails 12 a, 12 b, being spaced apart fromeach other. Each rail 12 a, 12 b is provided with a screw hole, such ashole 14, for securing the rails to, for example, a shelf. Of course, anyof several known mechanisms may be used for securing the rails to theshelf including, but not limited to, adhesive tapes, glue, nails, etc.The rails 12 a, 12 b are preferably made of a lightweight plasticmaterial, but may be made of other suitable material such as metal.

[0049] Each rail is provided with two series of curved surfaces, such asouter curved surface 16 and inner curved surface 18. The curved surfaces16, 18 are adapted to support a series of media packages in either aforwardly inclined or a rearwardly inclined position. The curvedsurfaces 16, 18 have substantially a series of semi-circular bumpsforming a series of notches therebetween. Packages may be shifted fromone notch to another by flipping the packages forward or rearward. Thisaspect of the curved surfaces is described in greater detail in U.S.Pat. No. 6,332,546, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

[0050] The two rails 12 a, 12 b are spaced apart such that one end of astored package rests on each rail. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.1, the rails 12 a, 12 b are spaced apart such that a media package suchas a CD package may be stored with the left end of the bottom edge ofthe package resting on'the left rail 12 a and the right end of thebottom edge of the package resting on the right rail 12 b.

[0051] Each pair of curved surfaces 16, 18 is adapted to receive apackage of different widths. For example, the inner curved surfaces 18may be spaced apart to accommodate narrow packages such as a VHSpackage, while the outer curved surfaces 16 may be arranged toaccommodate a larger package such as a DVD or CD package. Further, eachpair of curved surfaces 16, 18 may be arranged to receive the packagesin differing orientations. For example, the outer curved surfaces 16 maybe arranged to receive a DVD package with its longer end as the bottomedge. This orientation may provide a lower profile for a shelf with morehorizontal space and less vertical space.

[0052] Further inward of the inner curved surface 18, an inner glidesurface or flange 20 may be provided on each rail 12 a, 12 b. Asdescribed in further detail below, the inner glide surface 20 serves toengage a movable rear retainer and provides a surface for the rearretainer to glide upon. The glide surface 20 may be a flat narrow regionalong the bottom edge of the rail.

[0053] As illustrated most clearly in FIG. 5, a pair of glide ledges orguide flanges such as a glide ledge 22 is provided below the curvedsurfaces 16, 18. The glide ledge 22 protrudes downward below the curvedsurfaces 16, 18 and serves to guide or limit lateral movement of therear retainer relative to the rails 12 a, 12 b. The rear retainer has apair of upstanding side retainers 38 a and 38 b which cooperate with therail glide ledges to limit lateral movement of the rear retainer.

[0054] The outside of each rail 12 a, 12 b is provided with an outerside surface 21 which rises above the curved surfaces 16, 18. The sidesurface 21 laterally retains the media packages and prevents them fromsliding to the side and off the rails.

[0055] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a rear cross bar ormember 23 is provided to secure the rails 12 a, 12 b in the spaced-apartopen frame configuration. The rear cross bar 23 may be integrally formedwith the rails 12 a, 12 b and joins the rails 12 a, 12 b at the rear ofthe rails. The rear cross bar or member 23 is provided with a screw hole24 for securing to, for example, a shelf. Thus, the screw holes 14 onthe rails 12 a, 12 b and the screw hole 24 on the rear cross bar 23firmly secure the media storage system 10 in a desired position.

[0056] The packages may be retained in a forwardly or rearwardlyinclined configuration by a front retainer 25 and a rear retainerassembly 27. In the illustrated embodiment, the front retainer 25 is anelliptical wire that is in a fixed, but pivotable, position. The frontretainer 25 and its installation are described in further detail belowwith reference to FIGS. 9a-10 h.

[0057] The rear retainer assembly 27 includes an idler 29 and a glide32. The glide 32 allows the assembly 27 to move to different positionsalong the rails 12 a, 12 b to accommodate a varying number of mediapackages that may be stored on the rails. For example, FIG. 2illustrates the rear retainer assembly 27 in a forward position. Therear retainer assembly 27 is described in detail below with reference toFIGS. 6a-8 d.

[0058] Each of the front retainer 25 and the idler 29 of the rearretainer assembly 27 are adapted to be folded down, for example, forfacilitating transportation or storage. FIG. 3 illustrates the mediastorage system 10 with both the front retainer 25 and the idler 29 inthe folded down position.

[0059]FIGS. 6a and 6 b illustrate one embodiment of the glide 32illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 for use with a media storage system. The glide32 includes a central glide portion 34 and a pair of glide wings 36 a,36 b. Each glide wing 36 a, 36 b is located on the sides of the centralglide portion 34 and extends outwardly from the central glide portion34. The glide wings 36 a, 36 b have a generally smooth flat surface. Thepair of upstanding side retainers 38 a, 38 b extend upwardly at the endof each glide wing 36 a, 36 b. As described below, the side retainers 38a, 38 b facilitate securing of the glide 32 to the rails of a storagesystem.

[0060] At the junction of the central glide portion 34 and each glidewing 36 a, 36 b, a rail-receiving groove or slot 41 is formed. A centraloverhang 43 extends from the central glide portion 34 [above] to helpdefine the rail-receiving slot 41.

[0061] The central glide portion 34 also includes a back stop 45 whichextends upwardly in a rearwardly inclined manner. Further, a pair ofear-receiving slots 47 are formed on each side of the back stop 45. Apair of peg-receiving slots 49 are formed on the inside of the centralglide portion 34. The peg-receiving slots 49 are adapted to receiveround pegs formed on an idler, as described below. A flex rib 50 isprovided on at least one side of the central glide portion 34 forfacilitating installation of the idler.

[0062]FIGS. 7a and 7 b illustrate one embodiment of the idler 29illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 for use with glide illustrated in FIGS. 6a and6 b. The idler 29 includes an idler plate 52 which serves as a retainerfor the stored packages. The idler plate 52 of the illustratedembodiment is of a solid elliptical configuration. However, it should beunderstood that a non-solid retainer may also be used. Further, theidler plate 52 may be of any practical shape. The idler 29 also includesa pivot portion 54 having a pair of pegs 56 a, 56 b and a pair of ears58 a, 58 b. The pegs 56 a, 56 b are round pegs or pins adapted to allowthe idler 29 to pivot.

[0063]FIGS. 8a-8 d illustrate the engagement of the idler 29 of FIGS.7a-b to the glide 32 of FIGS. 6a-b. During insertion, one of the pegs 56a, 56 b of the idler 29 may be inserted into one of the peg-receivingslots 49 of the central glide portion 34 of the glide 32. Then, theother of the pegs 56 a, 56 b may be slid past the flex rib 50(illustrated in FIG. 8c) and into the other peg-receiving slot 49. Withthe idler 29 assembled with the glide 32, the idler 29 may pivot betweenthe folded down position (FIG. 8a) and the upright position (FIG. 8b).In the upright position, the idler plate 52 rests against the back stop45, which prevents the idler plate 52 from falling further back.Additionally, the ears 58 a, 58 b of the idler 29 rest in theear-receiving slots 47 of the central glide portion 34 of the glide 32.

[0064] Referring again to FIG. 5, the engagement of the glide 32 to therails 12 a, 12 b is more clearly illustrated. The glide wings 36 a, 36 bof the glide 32 may be snapped into the rails by slightly deforming therails and inserting the inner glide surface 20 into the rail-receivingslots or grooves 41 of the glide 32. Further, the side retainers 38 a,38 b of the glide 32 may be inserted past the glide ledge 22 of therails 12 a, 12 b. Thus, the glide is secured to the rails and is capableof sliding adjustably along the rails.

[0065]FIGS. 9a and 9 b illustrate one embodiment of the front retainer25 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The illustrated front retainer 25 isprovided with a partially elliptical, rodlike U-shaped retainer 61. Theretainer 61 may be composed of suitable resilient material such as wireor plastic material. It will be understood by those skilled in the artthat many other configurations may be used for this portion. Crosssegments or feet portions 63 a, 63 b protrude outwardly from the bottomends from a pair of leg portions 62 and 64 respectively of the retainingportion 61. The cross segments or feet portions 63 a, 63 b are sized forinstallation into the rails of a media storage system, as describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 10a-h. From the outer ends of the crosssegments 63 a, 63 b, a pair of down turned end portions 65 a, 65 bprotrude downwardly and are disposed at right angles to the feetportions 63 a, 63 b.

[0066] The installation of the front retainer 25 into a media storagesystem will now be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS.10a-h. The legs 62 and 64 are manually flexed slightly toward oneanother to align the end portions 65 a, 65 b with a pair ofleg-receiving slots 67 a, 67 b respectively. The legs 65 a, 65 b areinserted downwardly into the leg-receiving slots 67 a, 67 b that may beformed at one end of the storage system, such as at the front end ofrails. FIG. 10b is a view from the bottom of the media storage system ofthe insertion of one leg 65 b into the leg-receiving slot 67 b.

[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 10c-f, with the legs 65 a, 65 b inserted,the legs 62 and 64 are then released to allow them to spring apart.Thus, an outward force acts on the legs 62 and 64 of the retainingportion 61 of the front retainer 25. The outward force causes the legs65 a, 65 b to move against and past a pair of angular flex retainingribs such as a flex rib 69. As illustrated in FIG. 10d, the tip of theflex rib 69 flexes to allow the leg portion 65 b to move past. Once theleg portion 65 b has cleared the flex rib 69, the tip of the flex rib 69springs inwardly and returns to its natural unstressed position, asillustrated in FIG. 10f to help retain the leg portion 65 b. In thisposition, the cross segment 63 b of the front retainer 25 restsoutwardly laterally spaced from the flex rib 69. The front retainer 25has a stop formed by rib portion 72, and rib portions 74 and 76configured in a U-shaped, which limits its backward movement of thesegment 63 to cause it to rest in a desired upright use position asshown in FIG. 10e. In such a position, the leg portion 65 b restsagainst the rib portion 72. As illustrated in FIGS. 10g and 10 h, thefront retainer 25 is permitted to pivot into its storage position foldedflat into a generally horizontal disposition at an angle of slightlymore than 90° with respect to its generally upright use position. Inthis regard, the leg portion 65 b moves into a space adjacent to thewire support rib 74.

[0068] It will be understood that, although the illustrated embodimentsshow a front retainer that is fixed and a rear retainer that can glideor slide to an adjusted position, other configurations may have anadjustably slidable front retainer and a fixed rear retainer. Stillother configurations may have two gliding or sliding retainers.

[0069] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate another embodiment of the media storagesystem according to the present invention. The media storage system 81includes a pair of rails 83 a, 83 b, each having a screw hole 85 formounting. The underside of each rail 83 a, 83 b is provided with acutout 86 which provides a smaller footprint for installation. Thus, themedia storage system 81 may be mounted on a shelf, for example, which isnarrower than the width of the storage system 81. Accordingly, the screwholes 85 are provided further inward than those illustrated in theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

[0070] Each rail is provided with an outer curved surface 87 and aninner curved surface 89, similar to those described above with referenceto FIGS. 1-5. Further, a rear cross bar 92 connecting the two rails 83a, 83 b, a front retainer 94 and a rear retainer assembly 96 areprovided. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11-13 also includes afront cross bar 98 for further rigidity.

[0071]FIG. 14 illustrates yet another embodiment of a media storagesystem according to the present invention. The media storage system 101includes a pair of rails 103 a, 103 b, similar to those described above.The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 is adapted to be mounted as adrawer and is provided with a sliding wheel 105 and a pair of slidingguides 107 on the outside of each rail 103 a, 103 b. Further, a frontcross bar or member 108 of the media storage system 101 is provided witha cutout for easy grasping of the system 101 for pulling in adrawer-like manner. A rear cross bar or member 109 cooperates with therails and pair of rails 103 a, 103 b, as well as the front member 108 toform a general open frame configuration in a general rectangular shapeand define a generally rectangular open space.

[0072]FIG. 15 illustrates still another embodiment of a media storagesystem according to the present invention. The media storage system 112is provided with a pair of rails 114 a, 114 b. Each rail is providedwith a pin track 116 on its outside surface. Each pin track 116 mayengage one or more pins (not shown), when mounted to, for example, afurniture unit (not shown). The system 112 may then slide on the pinsfor easy access.

[0073] The system 112 is provided with a rear cross bar 118 and a frontcross bar 121. The front cross bar 121 is provided with a cutout 123 forfacilitating grasping and sliding of the system on the pins.

[0074]FIG. 16 illustrates yet another embodiment of a media storagesystem. The storage system 125 includes a unibody tray portion 127having a pair of side segments 129 a, 129 b. Each side segment 129 a,129 b is provided with an elongated pin-receiving track 132 on itsoutside surface, similar to those described above with reference to FIG.15. The system 125 also includes a rear cross bar 134 and a front crossbar 136. The front cross bar 136 is provided with a cutout 138 forfacilitating grasping and sliding of the system.

[0075]FIGS. 17a-d illustrate another embodiment of a media storagesystem. The media storage system 141 includes a tray portion 143 havinga plurality of rows of storage sections. Each row of the tray portion143 is provided with one or more rows of curved surfaces. A front crossbar 145 is provided with a cut out 147 for facilitating grasping of thesystem 141.

[0076] On the outside of the front portion and at the intersection ofthe rows of storage sections, the system 141 includes a front retainerreceiving portion 149. The front retainer receiving portion 149 issimilar to that described above with reference to FIGS. 10a-h and isprovided with a flex rib 152, a guard rib 154, a wire support rib 156and a wire wall support 158. The illustrated guard rib 154 and the wiresupport rib 156 are connected by a U-shape segment.

[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 18-22, there is shown a media storagesystem 201, which is constructed in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, and which includes a pair of spaced-apart rails 203 and 205which are generally similar to the rails of the system 10 of FIG. 1,except that the rails 203 and 205 are generally parallel to one anotherbut converge slightly toward one another at the front end portionthereof as indicated in FIG. 1. As hereinafter described in greaterdetail, the construction of the system 201 facilitates the mountingthereof to a support surface (not shown).

[0078] A series of screw holes such as a screw hole 207 permit thesystem 201 to be fastened to a suitable support surface. A front rodlikeretainer 209 is mounted at the front end of the system 201 and issimilar to the retainer shown in FIGS. 9a-10 h. A rear retainer assembly212 is slidably mounted on the rails 203 and 205 and is generallysimilar to the assembly 27 of FIG. 1. The assembly 212 generallycomprises an idler 214 and a glide 216. The idler 214 is generallysimilar to the idler 29, and the glide 216 is generally similar to theglide 32 of FIG. 1. A pair of glide surfaces or flanges 218 and 219 areformed on the respective rails 203 and 205 and are received in a pair ofgrooves or slots formed on opposite sides of the glide 216: In thismanner, the glide 216 is adapted to be moved positionally and slidablyalong the rails 203 and 205.

[0079] In order to ensure that the two rails 203 and 205 are fixed to asupport surface in a substantially parallel manner, and yet allow theglide 216 to move freely back and forth along the rails, a pair of stopssuch as a stop 229 (FIG. 20) are provided at the front portions of therails 203 and 205 to limit the forward movement of the glide 216 to theposition as indicated in FIG. 21. In this position, when the glide 216is slid manually forwardly into engagement with the stops, the rails 203and 205 are flexed apart slightly to cause them to assume a generallyparallel disposition. In this regard, the rails 203 and 205 have a pairof depending glide ledges or flanges such as a guide ledge 231 serve tolimit lateral movement of the glide 216 in a similar manner as the glideledge 22 of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 20, the glide ledges such as theglide ledge 23 on the underside of the rail 203 have outwardly flaredforward portions such as the flared forward portion generally indicatedat 233 to cause a pair of upstanding side retainers 227 and 229 to movefirmly into engagement with the flared forward portions to provide thedesired spacing between the rails. In the position as shown in FIG. 21,the system 201 is then fastened to the support surface utilizing thescrew holes such as the screw hole 207. Thereafter, the glide 212 can beslid away from the stops such as the stop 207 and the forward flaredportions of the side retainers to cause the glide 212 to move freelyrelatively to the rails 203 and 205. In this regard, as thus seen inFIG. 19, the glide 216 has the pair of upstanding side retainers 227 and229 which are generally similar to the retainers 38 a and 38 b as shownin FIGS. 6a and 6 b. When the glide 216 is disposed intermediate the endportions of the rails 203 and 205 as indicated in FIG. 18, there is agap or clearance space between the side retainers 227 and 229 and therespective rails 205 and 203. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 19, aspace or gap 230 is disposed between the upstanding side retainer 229and its rail 205. This clearance space permits the two rails 203 and 205to be moved positionally and adjustably away from one another to aslight extent during the installation procedure. Once the system 201 isfastened to a support surface, the glide 212 can then be moved freelyrelative to the rails 203 and 205 even though the rails such as the rail205 moves against the glide upstanding side retainer such as theretainer 229 to eliminate the space or gap such as the space 230 asshown in FIG. 19. In this regard, the glide 216 forces the rails 203 and205 apart as the glide 212 moves forwardly until it engages the stopssuch as the stop 207. This movement of the glide causes the rails toassume a generally true parallel configuration as indicated in FIG. 21so that it can be properly fastened to the support surface. Due to thespace or gap 230, the glide 212 is still thereafter able to move freelyrelative to the rails.

[0080] Referring now to FIG. 23, there is shown another media storagesystem 232, which is generally similar to the system 10 of FIG. 1, andwhich is constructed in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention. The system 232 includes a pair of rails 234 and 236,which are generally similar to the rails of the system 10 of FIG. 1,except that the rails 234 and 236 are connected together only by a frontrodlike retainer 241 and a slidably mounted rear retainer assembly 243,which are generally similar to the retainer and retainer assemblypreviously described herein. Thus, there are no other cross members tointerconnect the rails 234 and 236. The slidably mounted rear retainerassembly 243 includes an idler 245 and a glide 247 to enable theretainer assembly 243 to slide forwardly and rearwardly relative to therails 234 and 236.

[0081] A series of screw holes such as a screw hole 238 permit thesystem 232 to be fastened to a suitable support surface in a similarmanner as that disclosed in FIG. 18. In this regard, the glide 247 canbe slid first to the front portion of the rails 234 and 236 forfacilitating the fastening the front portions of the rails in thedesired position. Thereafter, the glide 247 is slid rearwardly against apair of stops (not shown) in a rear position of the rails 234 and 236 sothat the rear portions of the rails can be fastened to the supportsurface. In this manner, the rails 234 and 236 can be fastened to asupport surface in a relatively exact parallel configuration in asimilar manner as the media storage system 201 may be fastened to asupport surface. In this regard, the glide 247 has a sufficient space orclearance gap (not shown) which is similar to the space or clearance gap230 of FIG. 19.

[0082] Referring now to FIGS. 24 and 25, there is shown a media storagesystem 249, which is generally similar to the system 125 of FIG. 16 andis similar in some respects to the system shown in U.S. Pat. No.6,332,546, except that the system 249 includes a pair of side groovessuch as a side groove 252 for receiving a pair of pins such as a pin 254on a base 256 (FIG. 25). In this regard, the system 249 includes aseparate base 256 which can be fastened to a support surface by a groupof screw holes such as a screw hole 257. Once the separate base isfastened to the support surface, the tray portion of the system 249 asshown in FIG. 24 can be readily assembled to the base 256. Such anarrangement is versatile, and readily able to be fastened to a varietyof support surfaces. Alternatively, the side grooves may be utilized toreceive pins (not shown) projecting horizontally from a furniture unit(not shown) when the system 249 is mounted to a furniture unit such as adesk or hutch.

[0083] While particular embodiments of the present invention have beendisclosed, it-is to be understood that various different modificationsand combinations are possible and are contemplated within the truespirit and scope of the appended claims. There is no intention,therefore, of limitations to the exact abstract and disclosure hereinpresented.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multimedia storage device, comprising: at leasttwo spaced-apart rails, each rail having at least one series of packagesupporting portions for supporting packages from below; at least onecross member interconnecting the rails to form a generally open frameconfiguration; and at least one upstanding retainer adapted to helpsupport a plurality of packages between the rails resting on thesupporting portions.
 2. The multimedia storage device according to claim1, wherein said package supporting portions include curved portionsbeing generally semi-circular in cross-section and intersecting eachother to define a series of equally spaced-apart notches.
 3. Themultimedia storage device according to claim 2, wherein each railincludes a series of inner curved portions and a series of outer curvedportions, said inner curved portions on two rails being adapted tosupport a package of small width, and said outer curved portions on tworails being adapted to support a package of large width.
 4. Themultimedia storage device according to claim 1, wherein said crossmember is: a rear cross-bar adapted to secure the rails in aspaced-apart configuration.
 5. The multimedia storage device accordingto claim 1, wherein the retainer is a wire retainer positioned near oneend of the rails.
 6. The multimedia storage device according to claim 5,wherein the wire retainer is adapted to be selectively pivoted betweenan upright position and a folded-down position.
 7. The multimediastorage device according to claim 1 wherein the retainer is adapted toglide along said rails.
 8. The multimedia storage device according toclaim 7, wherein the retainer adapted to glide includes a glide portionhaving central portions and a pair of wings, each wing being adapted tosecure the glide portion to a rail and to enable the glide portion toslidably move along the rail.
 9. The multimedia storage device accordingto claim 8, wherein the retainer adapted to glide includes an idleradapted to be secured to said glide portion, said idler being adapted topivot between an upright position for retaining packages and a flatposition.
 10. The multimedia storage device according to claim 9,wherein said central portion includes a pair of peg-receiving slots, andthe idler includes a pair of pegs adapted to be inserted into said slotsfor securing said idler to said glide portion.
 11. The multimediastorage device according to claim 10, wherein said central portionincludes a back stop for limiting backward pivoting of said idler insaid upright position.
 12. The multimedia storage device according toclaim 8, wherein said central portion includes an overhang above a slotformed at each wing for securing the glide portion to a rail.
 13. Amethod for storing multimedia packages, comprising: positioning at leasttwo rails in a spaced-apart configuration, each rail having at least oneseries of package receiving portions for supporting packages from below;providing at least one cross member to provide a generally open frameconfiguration; supporting packages on said package receiving portionsfrom below; and helping support said packages with at least oneretainer.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said packagereceiving portions are curved portions are generally semi-circular incross-section and intersect each other to define a series of equallyspaced-apart notches.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein eachrail includes a series of inner curved portions and a series of outercurved portions, said inner curved portions on two rails being adaptedto support a package of small width, and said outer curved portions ontwo rails being adapted to support a package of large width.
 16. Themethod according to claim 13, wherein said package receiving portionsinclude on each rail a series of inner curved portions and a series ofouter curved portions, said inner curved portions on two rails beingadapted to support a package of small width, and said outer curvedportions on two rails being adapted to support a package of large width.17. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: securing saidrails in a spaced-apart configuration with the cross member in the formof a rear cross-bar positioned in a rear section of the rails.
 18. Themethod according to claim 13, wherein the retainer is a rodlike retainerpositioned near one end of the rails.
 19. The method according to claim18, wherein the rodlike retainer is adapted to be selectively pivotbetween an upright position and a folded-down position.
 20. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein the retainer is adapted to glide alongsaid rails.
 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the retaineradapted to glide includes a glide portion having central portions and apair of wings, the method further comprising: securing the glide portionto a rail with a wing, thereby enabling the glide portion to slidablymove along the rail.
 22. The method according to claim 21, furthercomprising: securing an idler to said glide portion, said idler beingadapted to pivot between an upright position for retaining packages anda flat position.
 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein saidcentral portion includes a pair of peg-receiving slots, and the idlerincludes a pair of pegs adapted to be inserted into said slots forsecuring said idler to said glide portion.
 24. The method according toclaim 23, wherein said central portion includes a back stop for limitingbackward pivoting of said idler in said upright position.
 25. Themultimedia storage device according to claim 21, wherein said centralportion includes an overhang above a slot formed at each wing forsecuring the glide portion to a rail.
 26. A glide for a multimediastorage device for storing multimedia packages, comprising: a centralportion; and a pair of wings connected to the central portion, each wingbeing adapted to engage a rail and to slidably move along the rail. 27.The glide according to claim 26, further comprising: an idler adapted tobe secured to said central portion, said idler being adapted to pivotbetween an upright position for retaining the packages in a flatposition.
 28. The glide according to claim 27, wherein said centralportion includes a pair of peg-receiving slots, and the idler includes apair of pegs adapted to be inserted into said slots for securing saididler to said glide portion.
 29. The glide according to claim 28,wherein said central portion includes a back stop for limiting backwardpivoting of said idler in said upright position.
 30. The glide accordingto claim 26, wherein said central portion includes an overhang above aslot formed at each wing for securing the glide-portion to a rail. 31.The multimedia storage device according to claim 1, further including asecond cross member interconnecting the rails, the first-mentioned andsaid second cross members being disposed at the front and rear portionsof the rails to define a generally rectangular open space.
 32. Themultimedia storage device, comprising: a tray having side edges andhaving at least one series of package supporting portions for supportingpackages from below; a front retainer and a rear retainer adapted toconfine a plurality of packages therebetween; each one of the side edgesincludes an elongated pin-receiving track on its outside surface. 33.The multimedia storage device according to claim 32, further including abase for supporting the rails from below.
 34. A method of mounting amultimedia storage device, comprising: using a pair of spaced-apartrails having a cross member at one end of the rails and a retainerslidably mounted relative to the rails; sliding the retainer to anopposite end portion of the rails to maintain the rails in substantialparallelism; fastening the rails to a support structure; and moving theretainer toward the cross member.
 35. A method of attaching a rodlikeretainer to a media storage system, comprising: using a U-shaped rodlikeretainer having a pair of leg portions, each having a pair of footportions each terminating at their distal ends in a depending tipportion; flexing the leg portions inwardly; inserting the foot portionsand tip portions through slots in the media storage system; andreleasing the leg portions to permit them to spring outwardly and tomove past a pair of flex retaining ribs to their unstressed positions tocapture the foot portions within said slots.
 36. A method according toclaim 34, further including providing a pair of stops on the mediasystem to limit movement of the tip portions of the retainer to positionit in a generally upright use position.
 37. A method according to claim32, further including pivoting the retainer from its use position atsubstantially right angles to its upright use position.
 38. A multimediastorage device, comprising: at least two spaced-apart rails, each railhaving at least one series of package supporting portions for supportingpackages from below; and a front retainer and a rear retainer adapted toconfine a plurality of packages therebetween.
 39. A multimedia storagedevice according to claim 38, wherein said front and said rear retainersare the only portions of the device joining them together.
 40. Amultimedia storage device according to claim 38, wherein one of saidretainers includes a glide, said glide having a pair of upstanding sideretainers, said rails include glide surfaces for cooperating with saidupstanding side retainers to limit later movement of said glide, saidglide surfaces having outwardly flared portions at one end portion ofsaid rails to help position the rails with respect to one another whensaid retainer is positioned temporarily at said flared portions tofacilitate mounting said device to a support surface.
 41. A multimediastorage device according to claim 32, wherein each one of said sideedges including the pin-receiving tracks are adapted to be mounted to aflat surface.
 42. A multimedia storage device according to claim 38wherein one of said retainers is a glideless idler.